Communication practices in the context of social protests and demands for public accountability

The project researched the communication practices of the media, activists and government representatives during social protests and demands for public accountability.

The project “Communication practices in the context of social protests and demands for public accountability” aimed to explore how different social actors communicate during protests, public tensions and demands for institutional accountability.

The focus was on the communication practices of the media, activists and government representatives, and on how their messages, actions and public appearances can affect public information, public debate and the maintenance of public peace.

In North Macedonia, three case studies were analysed: the Student Plenum protests, the protests for the release of journalist Tomislav Kezharovski and the protests to save the City Trade Centre – “I love GTC”.

Through these studies, the project examined the conditions under which the media, activists and institutions can play a constructive or destructive role in public communication during protests. The research contributed to a better understanding of the links between political communication, media reporting, civic activism and public accountability.

The project was regional and was implemented in cooperation with partner organisations from North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.